Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a distinguished statesman who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92, was renowned for his eloquence and thoughtful discourse. Throughout his illustrious career, Singh held pivotal roles, including that of Finance Minister and Prime Minister, during which he delivered numerous impactful speeches and decisions. As he reflected on his tenure, Singh shared insights into his most cherished achievement and his deepest regret.
A Legacy of Leadership
Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic and diplomatic milestones. His leadership style was often characterized by quiet strength and a commitment to progress, even in the face of criticism. Singh’s final press conference remains a testament to his enduring legacy, where he candidly discussed his reflections on his time in office.
“I do not believe that I have been a weak Prime Minister … I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter the Opposition in Parliament … Given the political compulsions, I have done the best I could do,” Singh remarked during his last address, encapsulating his steadfast belief in his contributions despite external challenges.
Best Moment: The Civil Nuclear Deal
When asked about the highlight of his decade-long leadership, Singh identified the civil nuclear deal with the United States as his proudest achievement.
Key Highlights of the Civil Nuclear Deal:
- Ending Nuclear Apartheid: The deal marked a significant shift by ending what was termed as “nuclear apartheid,” facilitating India’s entry into the global nuclear community.
- Strengthening US-India Relations: Announced in 2005 under Singh’s leadership alongside then-President George W. Bush, the agreement paved the way for enhanced civilian nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
- Economic and Technological Advancement: The deal opened avenues for India to collaborate on nuclear technology, fostering economic growth and technological progress.
- Overcoming Political Opposition: Despite facing substantial resistance from left-leaning factions, Singh successfully navigated the political landscape to secure the agreement.
Singh reflected, “The best moment for me was when we were able to strike a nuclear deal with the United States to end the nuclear apartheid which had sought to stifle the processes of social and economic change, and technical progress of our country in many ways.”
Biggest Regret: Unfulfilled Potential in Healthcare
While Singh acknowledged numerous successes, he expressed sincere regret over the unachieved advancements in the healthcare sector during his administration.
Areas of Unmet Healthcare Goals:
- Comprehensive Healthcare for Children and Women: Singh emphasized the need for enhanced healthcare services targeting vulnerable populations, including children and women.
- Expansion of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Launched in 2005, the NRHM aimed to improve healthcare access in rural areas. Although it achieved notable successes, Singh felt that further progress was necessary.
- Addressing Healthcare Infrastructure: There was an acknowledgment of the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure to ensure better service delivery across the country.
“I am sorry. I haven’t thought through this matter. But certainly, I would like to do a lot more in the area of healthcare, healthcare for children, and healthcare for women. The National Rural Health Mission that we started has achieved impressive results but a lot more needs to be done,” Singh stated, highlighting his commitment to ongoing improvements in the sector.
Legacy and Impact
Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s economic and diplomatic landscape are indelible. His ability to steer the nation through complex challenges and foster international partnerships has left a lasting impact. As history remembers him, Singh’s reflections offer valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of national progress.
